How do I use language? Do I take care to use strong, emotionally provocative words in meaningful ways?
I try not to use profanity or other offensive words while I am around others and I try to refrain from saying words that could be taken out of context. For instance, I would not talk about something that would make me appear ignorant or unaware of others preferences on such topics as gay marriage or abortions. In other words, I try not to be openly opinionated. I only use strong words when I feel that it fits the situation. When talking about an issue that is important to me I will often try to use words that show how passionate I feel about the subject.
I try not to use profanity or other offensive words while I am around others and I try to refrain from saying words that could be taken out of context. For instance, I would not talk about something that would make me appear ignorant or unaware of others preferences on such topics as gay marriage or abortions. In other words, I try not to be openly opinionated. I only use strong words when I feel that it fits the situation. When talking about an issue that is important to me I will often try to use words that show how passionate I feel about the subject.
Notice how others use words (violent language) and phrases (collateral damage, conservative, fundamentalist). Do these words help or hinder a discussion?When do these phrases appear?
I believe that these words conceal the true intentions of those using them. They are deceiving to those who do not know what they actually mean and disguise the purpose of the action that is taking place.These phrases often appear as euphemisms in serious situations that might involve death or hopelessness.
What is my experience with prejudice? How are my actions influenced by my own history?
When I was younger I attended a predominantly African American school and was often ridiculed for not necessarily blending in with the crowd. I was constantly picked on for having pale skin while having a hispanic last name. Most of my classmates told me that my skin was too white to be considered hispanic. This type of harassment made me feel segregated from my friends who were darker than I was and left me with a sense of shame. I thought that I wasn't good enough to be included in the hispanic group but not white enough to be friends with that group of people as well.
I think that this experience helped me appreciate the beauty of my own skin once I was taken out of that situation. After I met a new group of friends in high school I learned that my skin color was a gift and not a burden. I always thought that my skin made me different in a negative way but I was relieved to hear that others who were darker than me actually wished that their skin was as light as mine. This situation taught me that everyone has insecurities and that there is no such thing as the perfect skin color because everyone is special in their own way.
Do my actions/words reflect my values today? Or am I relying on certain cultural buzz words?
The words I use in my everyday language reflect my personality and beliefs. Sometimes I do fall into the habit of using words that I hear on television such as popular slang but overall I think that my word choice is unique.
When I was younger I attended a predominantly African American school and was often ridiculed for not necessarily blending in with the crowd. I was constantly picked on for having pale skin while having a hispanic last name. Most of my classmates told me that my skin was too white to be considered hispanic. This type of harassment made me feel segregated from my friends who were darker than I was and left me with a sense of shame. I thought that I wasn't good enough to be included in the hispanic group but not white enough to be friends with that group of people as well.
I think that this experience helped me appreciate the beauty of my own skin once I was taken out of that situation. After I met a new group of friends in high school I learned that my skin color was a gift and not a burden. I always thought that my skin made me different in a negative way but I was relieved to hear that others who were darker than me actually wished that their skin was as light as mine. This situation taught me that everyone has insecurities and that there is no such thing as the perfect skin color because everyone is special in their own way.
Do my actions/words reflect my values today? Or am I relying on certain cultural buzz words?
The words I use in my everyday language reflect my personality and beliefs. Sometimes I do fall into the habit of using words that I hear on television such as popular slang but overall I think that my word choice is unique.
How do my words/actions contribute or challenge mainstream cultural attitudes?
As a whole, I think my generation uses diction as a way to connect and bond over certain issues. I know that I personally use words that I hear others use in my own conversations. It is very hard for someone to create their own words when they are constantly hearing the same type of phrases from close ones.
As a whole, I think my generation uses diction as a way to connect and bond over certain issues. I know that I personally use words that I hear others use in my own conversations. It is very hard for someone to create their own words when they are constantly hearing the same type of phrases from close ones.